Now what?

More than 100 Oregonians on the Flight of Friendship came, saw and learned more about New Orleans than they ever knew before.

Now, what?

Here are the answers some of them gave to that question.

Gov. Ted Kulongoski

"If a community can change and become sustainable, it becomes a model for the rest of the country. And if we can do that, New Orleans is back and America is back."

Although Oregon is a national leader in promoting energy efficiency and green development, New Orleans is still trying these concepts on for size. In May, Freightliner plans to deliver a large shipment to New Orleans from Oregon-based building suppliers that are committed to environmental sustainability.

Randall Edwards, state treasurer

"In this case, it's too big for any state. The size of this takes a big federal hand - and leadership. And that's what I see is lacking. And it goes straight to the top and that's the White House."

Edwards says he wants to work with the governor on delivering a coordinated message to give to Oregon's Congressional delegation. Our Washington based politicians can then pressure the House and Senate to find the money to fix the crumbling roads, and upgrade the inadequate sewer, water and electrical systems.

Mayor Tom Potter

"I believe it is the responsibility of other communities to send resources here."

Sho Dozono, president and CEO of Azumano Travel and organizer of the Flight of Friendship tour

"When you travel with a group of like-minded folks, it's amazing how much you can feel the energy. I just know that if Oregonians can see for themselves, they will come up with strategies for how our community can help this community. I would like all of us to be more engaged."

Kimberly Powe, Mercy Corps economic development manager, a Portland homeowner who has worked out of New Orleans since July

"Go back and tell everybody you know what you've learned because we need to keep the story alive."

Ron Garland, scout executive for Cascade Pacific Council of Boys Scouts of America"

"We're going to use our internal communication piece to communicate to our leadership the needs that are here."

Some examples include having Portland-area troops adopt New Orleans troops and help provide uniforms, camping equipment and scouting books; complete a project that benefits a Louisiana troop; and donate money to buy books for New Orleans students.

Marcus Mundy, CEO of Urban League of Portland

"I want to be a proper ambassador. There are things we can do with sometimes very little effort if we present the message right. Sometimes, I don't have to do anything but let the right people in Portland know the needs."

Maxine Fitzpatrick, head of the Portland Community Reinvestment Initiatives, a nonprofit that provides affordable rental housing and homeownership opportunities

"This really saddens me. It makes me want to help so much, probably more than I really can."

Fitzpatrick says she plans to ask her board for permission to return to New Orleans and bring two or three staff people to help with the rebuilding "because that's what we do."

Thomas Bruner, executive director of the Oregon Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross

"Our perception of readiness is so different from what it really practically means to be ready. What is 'being prepared" or 'I'm ready' or 'I can get by' mean? And it's not just making sure you get by but making sure our neighbors can get by,...So I'm going back and working with the community on what it means to be ready."

Charles Allen, vice president of the Lower Ninth Ward's Center for Sustainable Engagement & Development, one of several organizations funded by Mercy Corps

"Take back the message that this recovery work has just begun and it's far from finished. What we do here can set up a good example for the rest of the country and the world because there will be other disasters."

Austin Allen, associate professor and interim chair of the Department of Landscape Architecture at University of Colorado, Denver

"This is the biggest experiment, I think, the nation has had in terms of urban living. Period. ... We just happen to say that if we can see this turned around, we know we have really made a contribution."

Allen is supervising students and faculty who are working on designing creative solutions for problems with rebuilding in the Lower 9th Ward.